What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemical Process Engineer position at Element Staffing Services?
Job Title: Chemical Process Engineer
Job Description: Element Staffing is recruiting for a Chemical Process Engineer for a wastewater treatment company located near Philadelphia, PA. The Chemical Process Engineer will support the development and application of advanced water treatment solutions for the remediation of emerging contaminants including PFAS. In this role, the engineer will contribute to designing, modeling, piloting, and scaling up treatment systems that combine wastewater treatment technology, electrochemistry, and advanced oxidation processes. They will work with cross functional teams and external partners to translate lab and pilot results into robust, cost effective solutions aligned with evolving environmental regulations. Candidates from the wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, or microelectronics industries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Duties/Responsibilities/Qualifications:
- Design, model, and optimize emerging contaminant treatment and separation systems using electrochemical principles, advanced oxidation processes, and various wastewater/environmental remediation processes.
- Plan and lead pilot testing and scale-up activities; support commissioning and early operation, including troubleshooting and performance tuning.
- Run process simulations and techno-economic evaluations to improve efficiency, cost, and regulatory compliance; translate results into design decisions.
- Analyze water quality and process performance data to refine system design and operational strategies, document learnings for continuous improvement.
- Prepare technical deliverables (process flow diagrams, P&IDs, specifications, test protocols/reports, and cost estimates) to support proposals and project execution.
- Collaborate with R&D, field operations, and regulatory stakeholders to integrate emerging contaminant treatment solutions into broader treatment trains.
- Engage with customers and suppliers to understand site constraints, communicate technical solutions, and support proposal development and technical presentations.
- Must have high proficiency in process modeling software and analytical tools.
- Must possess strong understanding of electrochemical systems and solids removal pretreatment technologies.
- Develop systematic Design of Experiments (DoE) for process optimization initiatives.
- Conduct FMEA, HAZID or HAZOP studies.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
- Mandatory hands-on experience with pilot plants, scale-up engineering, and field troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with analytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, TOF/AOF, TOP Assay) and how analytical uncertainty impacts decision-making.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance frameworks relevant to water treatment (e.g., EPA, REACH, CERCLA).
- Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus and/or COMSOL Multiphysics).
- Track record of technical publications or conference presentations in water treatment and/or emerging contaminant remediation.
Additional Information:
- Years of Experience: 5-7 years
- Education: BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar
- Shift/Travel: M-F, days 25 % domestic travel in first year
- Compensation: DOE
- Assignment Type: Direct Hire
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
For immediate consideration, please send your resume to resumes@element-staffing.com.